Learning Experiences

At Thousand Islands National Park the forests, fields, and rocky islands are our classrooms. Park interpreters uncover a natural world of wonder to park visitors with hands on experiences. Hold a loonie-sized baby turtle, touch rough-hewn archaeological remains, unearth a hidden geocache and connect deeply with this landscape.

There’s nothing like escaping into the Canadian outdoors to help you unwind and reconnect with your loved ones. Paddling the cool waters of Thousand Islands National Park is nearly effortless with the help of regional outfitters.

Let your students board a Gananoque Boat Line ferry to Georgina Island where they will follow a series of clues to explore the national park island and learn about its place in the Thousand Islands ecosystem! Working in teams, students will use a map, compass, and binoculars to solve the island's riddles, complete challenges, and earn the secret password to re-board the boat.

This 1½-hour outdoor experience designed for grades 7 to 9 is offered in May, June, September and October. An extended cruise in the Thousand Islands can be added to the program. Team bandana souvenir is included.

Family-friendly activities abound at the Mallorytown Landing Visitor Centre. Live animals that you can touch and hold, new and changing exhibits, and an interactive story series on Mohawk culture give you a deeper look into the Thousand Islands landscape.

Interactive outdoor exhibits help families burn off energy and enjoy the summer sun. Our Thousand Islands-themed playground gets kids rowing like a “river rat” in a landlocked boat, swinging in a bird’s nest swing, and basking like a turtle on a climbing rock.

Another visually intriguing outdoor exhibit showcases the Mohawk Thanksgiving Address. Families can read the full address at “contemplation rock” and then take on the challenge of finding all the different carvings of the address’s elements scattered around the grounds.

The park’s free Get Me Geocaching program teaches anyone interested in geocaching how to use a GPS (global positioning system) unit to find “geocaches”. Geocaching is a global activity where participants seek out hidden treasures (geocaches) on the landscape using coordinates loaded onto a GPS unit from a geocaching website (e.g. www.geocaching.com). Geocaches include stories about the location you have found and log sheets so you can log your visit.

Become a Parks Canada Xplorer

The Xplorers program encourages discovery through fun and recreational activities. When children arrive at the Mallorytown Landing Visitor Centre, they can use an Xplorers activity workbook to help them guide their visit. Once they have completed at least three activities, they will receive a certificate and souvenir as tokens of their success.

Activities at the park vary from a scavenger hunt and trail hikes to species identification and guided reptile encounters. The Xplorers program is offered throughout the Parks Canada network.

Parks Canada Xplorers²

Xplorers² is designed for teens, but don't let age hold you back. Whether you're artistic, athletic, goofy, or just plain curious, there's a challenge for you. Do any or all of the challenges during your visit. If you like a challenge, snap a photo or video, and share it with friends. Connect with other Xplorers using the hashtag #XPLR2.

Club Parka

Parka is the proud founder of Club Parka, a series of activities that encourage you to explore, discover, learn and have fun! Aimed at children aged 1 to 5 and their families. Take part in picking Parka’s path and finding her way through the maze, explore with Parka, colour her picture, do Parka puzzles, and play eye spy with Parka.